1st Apr 2005 09:24
National Express Group PLC01 April 2005 1 April 2005 National Express Group PLC Shortlisted for the Greater Western and Thameslink/GN Train franchises National Express Group PLC ("the Group"), the leading international passengertransport company, welcomes today's announcement from the Strategic RailAuthority confirming that the Group has been shortlisted to bid for both the newGreater Western and Thameslink/GN rail franchises. Commenting, Phil White, Chief Executive of the Group said: "We are delighted to have been shortlisted for both these franchises. We haveexperience and success in managing a complex mix of inter-city, commuter,cross-country and local services, combining business, commuter and leisureservices. We also have strong roots in the West Country through our WessexTrains franchise and in London through our Wagn (GN), c2c, Silverlink and 'one'train franchises. In addition, we have a successful record of smoothlyamalgamating train franchises to bring benefits for our customers andstakeholders." "We place great emphasis on listening to the views of stakeholders in preparingour bids. With this in mind, we have already commenced our consultationprogramme for both franchises and this will continue as the bid processcontinues. We look forward to receiving the Invitation to Tenders for the twofranchises in June." - E N D S - For further information Fiona Noblet/Nicola Marsden 020 7529 2000 Notes to Editors: • National Express Group is the most experienced operator of trainfranchises in the UK operating a mix of inter-city, rural, commuter and airportservices. Its train brands include c2c, Central Trains, Gatwick Express, MidlandMainline, 'one', Silverlink, Wagn and Wessex Trains, which will become part ofthe Greater Western franchise. • A dedicated website and brochure have been created for the bid, thebrochure can be downloaded at www.nationalexpressgroup.com/tlgn/ orwww.nationalexpressgroup.com/gwf/ • The Greater Western franchise is due to commence in April 2006 for aperiod of seven years plus three extra years extension if agreed performancetargets are met. • The Thameslink/GN franchise is due to commence in April 2006 for fouryears plus two extra years if agreed performance targets are met, with apossible further extension for up to three years to facilitate work on thedelayed Thameslink 2000 project. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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